Independent candidates emerge in key constituencies as full slate confirmed for April 30 election

Independent candidates have entered the race in several constituencies as a full slate of nominees was confirmed following the close of nominations for Antigua and Barbuda’s April 30 general election.

Three independent candidates are contesting seats, including Debbie Pero Georges in St. George , Alan Weston in St. Paul , and Nigel Bascus Richards in St. John’s Rural West , creating multi-candidate races in those constituencies.

Across the country, most constituencies remain dominated by contests between the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the United Progressive Party (UPP), with one Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) candidate also in the field.

In Barbuda , ABLP candidate Kendra Beazer will face BPM’s Trevor Walker.

The St. George constituency will see a three-way contest among ABLP’s Michael Freeland, UPP’s Kelton Dalso, and independent Debbie Pero Georges.

In the capital, St. John’s City West features ABLP leader Gaston Browne against UPP candidate Alister Thomas, while St. John’s City South pits ABLP’s Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin against UPP’s Adrian Williams Harris.

In St. John’s City East , ABLP’s Melford Nicholas will face UPP’s Pearl Quinn-Williams.

In St. John’s Rural South , Daryll Matthew (ABLP) will contest against Volda Peters Abbott (UPP), while St. John’s Rural East features ABLP’s Carl Browne against UPP’s Iris Azille Gumbs.

A three-way race is also confirmed in St. John’s Rural West , while St. John’s Rural North pits Henry Charles Fernandez (ABLP) against Stosh Parker Browne (UPP).

In St. Mary’s North , Molwyn Joseph Benjamin (ABLP) will face Leon Joseph (UPP), and in St. Mary’s South , Dwayne George (ABLP) will contest against Kelvin Simon Thomas (UPP).

The All Saints East and St. Luke constituency will see Kelly-Jean Newton James (ABLP) go up against Karil Pringle Knight (UPP), while All Saints West features ABLP’s Anthony Smith Jr. against UPP’s Harold Lovell.

In St. Peter , Rawdon Turner (ABLP) will face George Wehner Weste (UPP), while St. Philip North and St. Philip South also feature direct contests between the two major parties.

All nominations were made under the Representation of the People Act, confirming the candidates eligible to contest seats in the House of Representatives.

Antigua and Barbuda is scheduled to go to the polls on April 30.